Archive for November, 2010

Yes folks, hotels in Brighton are readying themselves for a massive surge in business thanks to this year’s pre-christmas line-up.

The list of big name acts set to play in the city’s venues is staggering – Peter Andre is also making a pre-Xmas appearance!

To finish off this month, we’ve a-ha on the 15th at the Brighton Centre (are they Finnish?); another folking great set from Seth Lakeman (17th Concord 2); jammed in on the same night as Calender Girls (Theatre Royal). We’ve mod goodfella, Paul Weller (23rd Brighton Centre) and if you’re not tempted by any of these, 80s pop-synth legends Heaven17 are here on the 30th.

Too many puns and plenty of top acts to choose from, it’s all too much like good fun! Book your hotels in Brighton early this year, because when you see who’s coming in December you’ll realise why it’s all going a little insania…

It’s not just the youngsters who visit Brighton at the weekend. This weekend the oldest and coolest are making the trip from London. And they are up for it, with a few expecting a good service when they get here… .

Yes, this weekend sees the arrival of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Rolling into Madeira Drive will be all manner of old-timers.

If you’re a car freak, a petrol head, are looking for something for all the family to watch, or just a lover of classic cars, get in gear and get down to the pier.

You can also catch the cars as they arrive on Preston Park, where they have a breather before taking on the final leg.

So as a teaser for everyone visiting Brighton this weekend here’s a selection of our all-time favourite classic cars (probably not old enough to make the rally but whatever, they look cool!)

And if you prefer your cars eco-friendly and funky, watch out for the greenest motors arriving today as part of the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge.

Paul Weller’s on his way, and hotels in Brighton are getting ready for one of the biggest concerts of the year.

Now, while Weller’s still a Mod icon, there’s much more to this movement than its parker jackets and scooters.

To dig a little deeper we’ve caught up with Rob Bailey from the New Untouchables. Also working as DJ Dr Robert, Rob’s at the heart of the Mod movement.

Q. To the outsider, Mod is retro, so what’s happening on the Mod scene?

Mod is back to the future. Mod always comes back with each new generation adding a contemporary twist. It’s no coincidence. Great music, style and substance that is a unique British trait has not spread its appeal globally.

Q. Are there different sub-Mod groups by which people are now defining themselves?

Yes of course hard Mods (skinheads/Seudeheads) Dandy’s/Freaks/Swirleys the more swinging London/Psychedelic look, original Mods, Mod revivalists, Brit Poppers and Mockers and mix of Mod and Rocker. That’s what makes Mod unique, it has so much diversity.

Q. At the recent Brighton weekender a biker, on his chopper, rode by the collected scooters gunning his engine, all good-natured stuff?

Yea of course we got much more in common than most.

Q. Weller’s playing Brighton soon, is he still a Mod icon?

Of course without Paul Weller there would be no recognisable Mod scene as we know it today. That was my introduction to Mod like millions of others.

Q. On music, who is best representing the new Mod scene?

You mean new bands? I like Little Barrie, The Faithkeepers, The Shoestrung, Big Boss Man